What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty is the surgery that involves the reshaping of the ears. This procedure is generally performed on patients who have disproportionately large ears. The ears may be flapping out, spoiling the facial aesthetics of the patient. These patients are usually born with this abnormality and as they grow, the problem appears more obvious.

Boys tend to get teased by other kids, but girls are able to hide their large ears with their hair. However, both boys and girls are recommended to undergo otoplasty to get rid of the problem permanently. Otoplasty sets the ear back through a surgery that is done behind the ear. A portion of the cartilage in the ear is folded and stitched and a more normal shape is given to the ear. The stitches are permanent in nature and the patient can expect the results to remain forever.

Otoplasty is more commonly known as "ear pinning". The procedure can improve the facial aesthetics of the patient substantially. The most common candidates for this surgery are kids between the ages of four and fourteen. By the age of six, ears attain near full growth. Therefore, after the age of six, a patient can undergo the surgery at any time. But it is recommended to have it earlier so that the child feels more normal during his or her growing years. In the case of adults who suffer from large, protruding ears or elongated earlobes, otoplasty is a very good option to correct the condition.

The procedure of otoplasty typically lasts about one to two hours. The surgery is relatively simple and is usually performed with the patient being placed under sedation. Postoperative recovery may take up to six weeks for complete healing. However, the recovery is safe and very few patients experience any side effects after the surgery.

Request a free consultation today!

Rating: 5 Edmund Kwan, M.D.
Dr. Kwan is by far the most talented surgeon I have EVER crossed paths with. I came to Dr. Kwan after an under eye fat transplant, performed 'by another' plastic surgeon, which deformed my face. It was only until I was under Dr.Kwan's care that the deformity was corrected. Dr. Kwan literally gave me back my beauty. This was a priceless feeling. That was about 4 years ago, I can assure you ever since- Dr. Kwan is the ONLY plastic surgeon I trust my face and body to. I look forward to my body contouring procedure coming up in a few weeks!! :)
Reviewed by Tina R.

Rating: 5
The staff treated me very kindly, with respect and genuine smiles. Dr Kwan is a real professional in my opinion. He took the time to listen to my story, addressed my concerns and took his time to walk me through the process and give me his opinion and explanation on his recommendation. I had my surgery in his practice and we went over everything again before I met up with the anesthesiologist, who was equally as nice and professional as everyone else at his practice. We started counting bikes ... and after bike #6 I fell a sleep. When I woke up, he was there to tell me I did great and before I knew it I was in a taxi cab back home with my best friend who came to pick me up. So I don't know if this is typical, but I had no pain whatsoever after the surgery. . I am very very happy with the results. Dr Kwan did an amazing job and I couldn't be more pleased.
Mascha N.

Rating: 5
I was invovled in an automobile accident last May, 2013. The outcome from the emergency room left me with 5 stitches on the bridge of my nose, and the tip of my nose was missing due to the severe impact of the accident. I called and scheduled an appointment to visit Dr. Kwan so he could assess my nose. Upon arriving to the office, I was immediately impressed with the facility, service, and profesionalism of his staff. Dr. Kwan met with me and examined my nose and in detail, he explained the approach he would take in order to get my nose like brand new again.On the day of my surgery, I was met by Dr Kwan, who performed the surgery, himself. His Anestigeologist was very informative and professional as well. The outcome of Phase 1 was a success. In addition to that, the staff even called my medication into the pharmacy that way it would be ready as soon as I left the office. My nose is 98% back to normal, I now look forward to Phase 2 to be completed. After that procedure is done I am positive my nose will look absolutely perfect and I will be back to my confident self again. Thanks Dr Kwan and Staff.
Rocky P.

Rating: 5
I have had several surgeries with Dr Kwan, and would recommend him highly. Liposuction of abdomen and love handles came out smooth. Upper eyelids look younger and refreshed, and the Basal Cell Cancer he cut out of my nose is not even visible, despite the fact that it was right along the rim of my left nostril.
Glenn C.

Rating: 5
I have been using Dr Kwan for over 10 years now. I have had many different procedures and all of them have turned out great. One of the breast augmentations had a crimp in the left breast and he had no problem going in to revise it to assure my satisfaction. I have always liked the way he answers each of my concerns and we go over everything for each procedure I've done several times to assure we are on the same page :) Take a list of any questions or concerns an I guarantee you will love your results no matter what procedure he is doing for you! .
T. Cannon